Does the entire reputation of this show today hinge upon IT'S A GOOD LIFE?

Never heard of that episode.

I like the William Shatner one;

“I know, but i’m the only one that does know. Right now...”

‘It’s a good life’ was a memorable episode but i wouldn’t say that it is the episode everyone recalls first or defines the series by any means. ‘Kick the can’ is equally as popular from my observations. My personal favorites are usually the space exploration ones and I know that a ton of people always recall ‘to serve man’ and the ever popular . . .There’s a man on the wing of this plane!

The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street

That's a good one but not my favorite.

It's a Good Life is such a messed up episode, as someone with strict parents I can only imagine that kind of power, that I would never use because I would be grounded for life, lol.
At least the Twilight Zone movie which I enjoy tried to redeem the character.

That being said, no way does that episode represent the series.

As another poster wrote, Nightmare at 20,000 Feet with William Shatner.
My favorite, Living Doll, with Talky Tina and Telly Savalas.

I may not be giving you a long list, but the show was really good.
I guess we can meet again 4th of July, when SyFy channel will have the 24 hour marathon.

For my own nickel, I'd be better off personally if I'd never seen it. The message (essentially that cowardice is cool) is just horrible. "It's A Good Life" is literally the only episode in the entire series I avoid if at all possible. By comparison, as difficult as "The Incredible World Of Horace Ford" is to get through, I'd choose it any day over "It's A God Life."

Interesting. I never ever mention It's a Good Life when talking about The Twilight Zone.

It's a top episode as far as episode recognition goes without a doubt, but it would be just one of several dozen I might recall if someone asked me about a favorite or even important episode.

I think most people would go to To Serve Man, or Nightmare at 20,000 Feet (not one of my favs), or Midnight Sun, or Time Enough at Last, etc. So for this question:

If "It's A Good Life" had never been made, would the show be held in the same regard today?